The Rockliff Liberal Government recognises cost of living pressures are being felt right across the Tasmanian Community.
Minister for Community Services and Development, Jo Palmer said that's why last month our Government provided Loaves and Fishes with an additional $500,000 to assist with the demand for emergency relief.
It's important to note, this is over and above the already allocated funding in direct response to pressures being felt by Tasmanian families.
"We know that household budgets across Tasmania are stretched more than ever," Minister Palmer said.
"Our Emergency Relief providers and Neighbourhood Houses are at the coal face every day providing vulnerable Tasmanians the critical support they need, and we continue to work closely with them to ensure all Tasmanians have access to sufficient food.
"We have committed more than $4.3 million of funding to food relief since 2022."
The Rockliff Liberal Government also funds emergency support through the Family Assistance Program. Tasmanians facing financial hardship can find assistance through the Salvation Army, St Vincent De Paul, Anglicare, Hobart City Mission and Launceston City Mission. There is also Government assistance for energy bills available through the Salvation Army.
Our Government has several measures in place, including funding the successful $2.7m School Lunch Program.
School Food Matters will receive additional funding so that children have access to nutritious food at school which is essential to their overall health, well-being and learning.
"We know this Christmas, many people in our community are struggling to make ends meet, and to put food on the table," Minister Palmer said.
"I encourage all Tasmanians who find themselves in need of assistance with food, or other types of emergency relief, to reach out.
"We know that Tasmanian Community Service organisations are also experiencing rising costs of wages, fuel and other costs for doing business. For this reason, the Rockliff Liberal Government provided increased funding in the 2023-2024 budget.
"We also committed to review indexation and funding models for these organisations and the Government is working closely with the industry through TasCOSS on the review."
A full range of emergency relief services can be found at Find Help Tasmania www.findhelptas.org.au
